How do young Australians view the world?

Almost a month after it was launched, more than 1,100 young people have completed Mission Australia’s 10th National Survey of Young Australians online.

Schools and educational institutions are also helping us to capture the views of young Australians. So far 40 schools have also requested 17,000 hard copies to distribute to their students. We’ve also received over 30 requests for school/organisation reports, which give an indication of what their students or local young people value, issues that concern them and their feelings about the future.

Our 2010 survey revealed that body image was one of the main concerns for young people, closely followed by family conflict and school or study issues.

This year’s survey is asking participants to indicate their main three issues of concern, rather than ranking the whole range of issues in order of the most to least concerning. We’re also trying to find out who or where young people turn to for support to deal with specific concerns.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people – particularly those too young to vote – to be heard by governments, youth agencies and community service organisations like Mission Australia.

Mission Australia’s Research and Social Policy Unit can compile a report for any school or organisation that provides 200 or more responses. However, institutions that are in interested in receiving a unique report need to contact us before handing out the survey so we can make plans to collate your data.

If you would like multiple copies of the 2011 National Survey of Young Australians please contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

Mission Australia aims capture the views of more than 50,000 young people aged from 11 to 24 by 1 July 2011 – and we need the community’s help to make it happen. If you, your class, youth group or someone you know, would like to take part in the National Survey of Young Australians please visit MAYouthSurvey.com.au.

Further Reading

• The Age, 3 May 2011: Fighting the drop-out factor
• National Survey webpage
  
• Coverage of the 2010 National Survey of Young Australians

Youth Survey: a great chance to listen and learn

Mission Australia has had a fantastic early response to its 10th National Survey of Young Australians, with hundreds of young people already lodging their completed surveys online – the first of an estimated 50,000 we expect to receive by 1 July.

We’ve also had plenty of interest from peak bodies, government, not-for-profit and educational institutions keen to spread the word about the largest survey of its kind by distributing it through their networks and adding the Youth Survey link to their websites.

While any young person aged from 11 to 24 can complete the survey online, Mission Australia is also urging schools and educational institutions to get involved.

We can send out printed copies to organisations that are interested in getting a “temperature check” on what young people value, their issues of concern, who they go to for advice and support, what activities they are involved in and how they feel about the future.

Our 2010 survey revealed that body image was one of the main concerns for young people, closely followed by family conflict and school or study issues. Yesterday youth in Geraldton, WA, provided 720 ABC Perth with a taste of what the big issues for 2011 might be - listen to it here.

Mission Australia can also arrange to compile a tailored report for any school or organisation that provides 200 or more responses. These reports, which will be available later in 2011, contain valuable local data that can help them to plan future activities.

However, schools or organisations that are in interested in receiving a unique report on the concerns, values and thoughts of local young people need to contact us before handing out the survey so we can make plans to collate your data.

If you would like multiple copies of the 2011 National Survey of Young Australians please contact Aimee Tyson at youthsurvey@missionaustralia.com.au or on (02) 9219 2022.

To complete our online survey or find out more, visit MAYouthSurvey.com.au

Media Release: Youth of Australia wanted for national survey

National Youth Week – 1-10 April

To coincide with National Youth Week, Mission Australia is calling on young people to help highlight important issues in their lives by having their say in the charity’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians – the nation’s largest annual report on the views, concerns and values of young people between the ages of 11-24.

In launching the 2011 survey, Mission Australia’s CEO, Toby Hall, said it gave young people a voice across a range of issues with the information being used to help community groups and governments plan and develop youth services.

“Mission Australia’s annual youth survey is a ‘temperature check’ on what young people are feeling, what issues concern them, what they think are the main challenges facing the nation and how optimistic they are about the future,” said Mr Hall.

“Responses to the survey help governments, youth agencies and ourselves improve and develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

Last year’s survey tested the views of more than 50,000 young people – its biggest group since the survey began in 2002 – between the ages of 11-24 (98 per cent aged 11-19).

When asked to rank their personal concerns from 15 issues body image was ranked most frequently in the top three by 31.1 per cent of respondents, followed by family conflict at 27.8 per cent and coping with stress at 27.3 per cent.

Body image was the leading issue of concern for 11-14 and 15-19 year olds and for females. Almost one-in-two 20-24 year olds considered it a major concern.

“Young people’s concerns can be quite volatile – moving around from year to year – and they differ between age groups so it’s important we conduct this survey annually, with as many participants as possible, to obtain an accurate picture.

“The range of concerns – from stress to depression, suicide and body image – also suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood,” said Mr Hall.

Mission Australia’s 2011 National Survey of Young Australians can be completed online at www.mayouthsurvey.com.au. It is also available at all Mission Australia services, secondary schools, TAFE facilities and libraries nationwide.

The survey closes on Friday, 1 July with the results to be published later in the year.

Further Reading

• National Survey webpage
  
• Coverage of the 2010 National Survey of Young Australians

Media Release: Last days for Australia's youth to have their say

Time is ticking for young people to voice their concerns in the country’s largest annual youth survey.

Conducted by community service organisation, Mission Australia, the 2010 National Youth Survey winds up on Friday, 2 July for all states except Northern Territory that finishes on 30 July.  Results are to be published later this year.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young Australians – particularly those too young to vote – to tell us their views.

Mission Australia’s head of Research and Social Policy, Anne Hampshire, is calling on young Australians – between 11 and 24 years of age – to participate in this year’s National Youth Survey. The information gathered will be used to help community groups and government to better plan and develop youth services.

“Of particular significance is a new question asking young Australians to list what they view as the top three issues in Australia today, and we feel that this question is especially important for those too young to vote but who still wish to be heard,” says Anne Hampshire.

“Other new questions include one surrounding the level of optimism felt by young Australians about the future, and another asking what should be done about the issues concerning them.

“These questions in particular will help us to develop programs and strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.”

In 2009, more than 48,000 young people took part and drugs was ranked most frequently in the top three issues of concern by 26.8 per cent of respondents. Suicide was the next top concern at 26.3 per cent, while body image came in third at 25.5 per cent.

Ms Hampshire says it is important to obtain an annual snapshot of the concerns of young Australians.

“Young people’s concerns can be quite volatile – moving around from year to year – and they differ between age groups so it’s important we conduct this survey annually, with as many participants as possible, to obtain an accurate picture.

“The range of concerns – from stress to depression, suicide and body image – also suggest young people are facing increased challenges as they make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

“The results of the survey assist Mission Australia, other agencies, governments at all levels – as well as schools, parents and families – to better understand young people,” concluded Ms Hampshire.

Mission Australia’s 2010 National Survey of Young Australians can be completed online at www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey. It is also available at all Mission Australia services, secondary schools, TAFE facilities and libraries nationwide.

The survey closes on Friday, 2 July for all states except Northern Territory that finishes on 30 July.  Results will be published later in the year.

Media contact: Sally Popplestone ph. 0415 547 626. 

Homelessness - what will it take to grab your attention?

Homelessness is a problem nearly all of us wish to end. Yet there are so many appeals to donate to you could become completely desensitised to them.

It’s unfortunate, but that’s our reality. What’s it going to take to get someone’s attention? What else can we do to get people to donate?

That’s why our new donation appeal looks like we’re offering a free gift with every donation. We’ve realised there are endless ways to ask for help, but there’s nothing we can offer that compares to the good feeling you get when you help someone in need.

Mission Australia can help end homelessness and help people get their lives back on track, but we need your support.

There are more than 100,000 homeless Australians, and nearly one in five will sleep outside in the cold tonight. Some will only have a newspaper to keep warm. Living on the street can have grim consequences, from isolation and loneliness to low self-esteem and mental illness.

When homeless people do seek help they face further daunting problems. They typically visit multiple services, yet most of these are overstretched and must turn people away. Across the nation, Mission Australia has 87 services for homeless people that provide the guidance and motivation they need to transform their lives.

Mission Australia is committed to ending homelessness in Australia. We believe all Australians should be able to live in a safe, secure and affordable home.

Our primary focus is to prevent homelessness from occurring. We provide financial counselling, family and individual support, mental health support, and employment and training assistance to help keep people from falling into crisis.

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New donation appeal - click to expand:

Shhhh….Let’s HUSH to help homeless Australians

Ten days to go until HUSH for Homelessness - Friday, 14 May 2010

Who knew giving your friends, family and workmates the silent treatment could help so many people?

It’s only ten days until Mission Australia’s HUSH for Homelessness so it’s now time to join in!

Symbolising the 'voiceless' lives that homeless Australians lead, HUSH for Homelessness is Australia’s biggest annual fundraising event to tackle homelessness.

On any given night in Australia, almost 105,000 men, women and children are homeless with a staggering 43% aged under 25 years*.

Mission Australia is asking you to challenge yourself or someone else to experience what it’s like to be voiceless on Friday, 14 May. It’s easy to get involved. Participants are simply asked to be silent for an hour or more and to seek sponsorship from family, friends and workmates for their efforts.

“This year, we are also encouraging people to go online to nominate who you would most like to ‘HUSH’ on Friday 14 May,” says Mission Australia’s CEO Toby Hall.

“It’s a fun way of asking people to put their money where their mouth is – to ‘zip it’ for an hour on HUSH for Homelessness day.

“We feel that by being silent for an hour or more, participants obtain a glimpse of the voiceless lives Australia’s homeless face on a day to day basis – gaining greater understanding of their plight – while at the same time raising funds for this important cause.”

All money raised will go to Mission Australia’s services providing crisis care, transitional or medium-term accommodation and essential support for homeless men, women and children. For information and to register please visit: www.hushforhomelessness.com.au

For more information and images, please contact: Sally Popplestone, Media Co-ordinator Mission Australia
M: 0415 547 626.
E: popplestones@missionaustralia.com.au

*ABS 2008. Counting the Homeless, 2006. Australian Census Analytic Program.

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Visit to Wenona Junior School

Rupert, our cheeky HUSH ambassador, along with friends Joy Hopwood and Dan Petsalis of Missionbeat, visited Sydney's Wenona Junior School last Thursday to speak at the school assembly about HUSH for Homelessness 2010.

Last year Wenona Junior School raised over $6,000 for HUSH and hope to beat their record this year - many thanks to all involved for a fantastic contribution to the cause!

Appearing in photo (left to right):
Year 5 students: Anna Mansfield, Hannah Lawton, Rhiannon Lloyd, Isabella Rooney.
Back: Dan Petsalis, Missionbeat manager, Rupert, Joy Hopwood and Mark Case, the student's Year 5 teacher.

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Rupert launches HUSH for Homelessness 2010!

"HUSH-UP!" says Rupert, the new and very cheeky HUSH ambassador, who has this week launched Mission Australia's 2010 HUSH for Homelessness campaign.

Armed with his own Twitter account, a new website and with a little help from his friends, Rupert aims to spread the word about HUSH for Homelessness and help fight the cause.

Homelessness is a major national concern with 105,000 Australians without a place to call home each night - 50% of whom are under 25, and 10,000 under 12. Homeless people may go for hours or days without speaking to anyone, and are largely without a voice in society.

Compounding the tragedy are the widespread misconceptions about the real reasons behind homelessness.

Friday 14 May is your opportunity to become an advocate and fight for the cause:

• Ask someone to "HUSH-UP!" and raise funds
  It could be a musician, a sports star, one of your friends that can’t stop talking, or even yourself!

• Educate your peers about the truth behind homelessness

Funds raised are invested in Mission Australia's crisis care, transitional or medium-term accommodation and auxiliary support for homeless men, women and children.

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Further Reading:

• Four Corners' Last Chance Motel - A timely reminder of the reality of Homelessness
• Rudd pledges $10m to cut homelessness (SBS.com.au)
• Mission Australia's Pathways from Homelessness

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National survey of young Australians launched today

Today we are launching the Mission Australia National Survey of Young Australians 2010. It’s our ninth youth survey and is the major advocacy initiative in Mission Australia’s youth pathway.

The results of the survey assist with the development of programs and services that meet young people’s needs, as well as being a key resource document for policy makers in the youth space.

The survey is for all young people aged between 11 and 24 years and asks them what is important to them, what their issues of concern are, where they turn to for advice and support and their participation in community activities.

This year the survey has some additional questions, around what young people think should be done about their issues of concern, what they see as the main issues in Australia today, and how optimistic they feel about the future. These questions will help us to develop youth advocacy strategies that are shaped by the voices of young people themselves.

It is important that we get as many young people as possible to participate and we would very much appreciate you distributing the survey through all your relevant networks – clients, staff, family members, schools, youth groups etc – so that we can make a major impact with this work. Last year close to 48,000 young people participated.

The survey can be completed online at www.missionaustralia.com.au/youthsurvey until Friday 2 July 2010. If you would like to receive a paper copy or multiple copies of the survey please contact Aimee Tyson on (02) 9219 2022 or tysona@missionaustralia.com.au